History of Hindu Mathematics: A Source Book v2.c17.s14.24

v2.c17.s14.24

The terms ‘lesser root’ and ‘greater root’ do not appear to be accurate and happy. For if x = m, y = n be a solution of the equation Nx² + c = y², m will be less than n, if N and c are both positive. But if they are of opposite signs, the reverse will sometimes happen.⁵